The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has adopted a landmark international labour standard aimed at improving working conditions for digital platform workers, including those engaged through services such as Uber and Bolt.
The new framework, titled the “Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention, 2026,” was adopted at the closing session of the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, and immediately came into effect on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that platform workers are individuals who earn income through digital applications that connect service providers with customers, such as ride-hailing and delivery platforms.
With the adoption of the convention, millions of workers in the global gig economy are expected to benefit from enhanced labour protections and clearer standards governing their work conditions.
According to the ILO, the rapid expansion of the platform economy has reshaped global labour markets by creating new income opportunities, while also exposing workers to significant challenges related to fair treatment and decent work standards.
The organisation explained that the convention applies to all digital labour platforms and workers, regardless of employment classification, and establishes a global framework for promoting decent work across the sector.
It outlines protections covering fundamental labour rights, fair remuneration, social protection, occupational safety and health, as well as safeguards against violence and harassment in the workplace.
The new standard also introduces provisions regulating the use of algorithms and automated decision-making systems, requiring transparency, accountability, and fairness in digital work management.
The ILO described the convention as a historic milestone reflecting the collective commitment of governments, employers, and workers to ensure fairness in evolving labour markets.
“This Convention marks a historic step toward a future of work that is fair, inclusive, and grounded in social justice for millions of platform workers worldwide,” the organisation stated.
It added that the framework seeks to balance technological innovation with the protection of workers’ rights and improved working conditions in the digital economy.
Observers at the conference described the adoption as one of the most significant labour policy developments in recent years, noting that it would strengthen protections for the rapidly expanding gig economy workforce globally.
The International Labour Conference, which began on June 1 and ended on June 12, brought together representatives from governments, employers, and workers across the ILO’s 187 member states.
